Women and heart attacks

[5stents]

This is my experience of diagnosis and treatment as a woman with heart problems and may help others.

Had blood pressure problems for twenty years on 3 tablets for control.

Had chest discomfort - doctor said with tablets shouldn't be problem - stress test - angina - 2 stents.

13 years later - chest pains - hospital - doctor - blood test - probably chest infection - home.

a few days later - chest pains - hospital- doctor - blood test- advised to stay in - 1 stent.

2 years later- chest pain - hospital - Friday - severe chest pain on Sunday - Transferred

Blood pressure 200/100 and something - Consultant - probably reflux or incorrect ECG

2 stents, right side of heart - to return in three months for more stents - covid

After long delay contacted consultant - symptoms returning - don't worry use spray

Finally got appointment - waited all day - wanted to send me home - said I really needed to get sorted as overdue and had travelled miles to hospital in another county - 5 stents

I think if you have a problem, without being rude to hospital staff it is worth persevering and I am still here at 78 to tell the tale and try to make the best of every day.

[MONIREN]

Sorry to hear that you had so much problem being taken seriously. We have the same here in Australia. They seem to think that if you do a good burp your heart problem will go away. The 2 times I called an ambulance they assured me it wasn't my heart, both times it was, and another stent needed. At the moment after 7 angiograms and 5 stents, they don't want to go in again . So trying to manage me with medication, so far unsuccessfully. I have good cholesterol levels around 3, but still clot. On highest dose of blood thinners. My heart journey started 2011, stress and diabetes my biggest problem. My body stops responding to injections for diabetes, they say to try harder. I'm nearly 70 and care for my sick husband, we do have Aged care help. I take around 20 tablets a day, all approved by doctor. Tired of fighting. So glad you were listened to. All the best. Take care. Moni

[5stents in reply to MONIREN]

Yes every time I have experienced recurring problems they have tried to turn me away. After the last 5 stent were added as I was leaving the hospital the doctor shouted don't forget to use your spray because you have had a heart attack. Such a surprise as I was told it was probably reflux!!! We are told here that things generally with your health service are much better than in the uk, obviously not always then. It is tough to keep u the good fight but keep on trying Moni. Best wishes Pat

[Tiggs876]

So glad to hear that you have survived all of that despite having to deal with the way women with heart related symptoms are not taken as seriously as a man by the medics. My experience of my mothers sudden death at age 48 due to a heart attack and the way her symptoms were disregarded once the ecg was clear, made me acutely aware of the ‘health gap’ between men & women when it comes to heart disease.

[5stents in reply to Tiggs876]

How sad to lose our mum at such a young age. You can only follow the usual advice, diet, activity etc, though it can be very tough when going to a restaurant and avoiding the fried, creamy offerings. Take care and best wishes.

[Tiggs876]

Thank you for your kind words. I’m fortunate to be treated for my high lipids at an excellent hospital. The department is headed up by a woman and many female senior nurse practitioners. They listen! I had a coronary CT scan which showed only minor plaque in my LAD, they were surprised! I’ve always cooked from scratch and eat virtually no junk food. I also exercised. A lot in my youth. Still do, They said the good result was attributed to my lifestyle despite my overall cholesterol of 8.2 & high LDL. That is much lower now thanks to Bempedoic Acid. I wish you continued wellness for many more years. X

[5stents in reply to Tiggs876]

I think I should add on the positive side that having dealt with the blood pressure/heart problems over about 40 years I have had the good fortune to watch my family grow including daughters, grand children and now the privilege and joy of great grand children. Maybe the situations we deal with enable us to appreciate the good and special days and occasions rather than taking time for granted.

[Tiggs876]

That is so true about not taking time for granted. I now never say goodbye (no matter how short their journey or time away) to my loved ones without telling them I love them.